HISTORY
Samarkand was one of the main cities on which ancient trade route?
The Great Silk Road
What is the name of the grand mosque Amir Temur built in honor of his wife?
Bibi-Khanym Mosque
What does the word "Ziarat" mean in English?
Pilgrimage or holy visit
Which local market is famous not only for trade but also for showing the spirit of Uzbek hospitality?
Siab Bazaar
Which spiritual figure is believed to have brought Islam to Samarkand?
Qusam ibn Abbas
Which great conqueror made Samarkand the capital of his vast empire in the 14th century?
Amir Temur
What is the name of Amir Temur’s mausoleum in Samarkand?
Gur-Emir Mausoleum
Who is believed to be buried in Shah-i-Zinda, making it a sacred site?
Qusam ibn Abbas, cousin of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
What is the symbolic meaning of bread and salt when offered to a guest in Samarkand?
It represents respect, friendship, and a wish for peace and blessing.
Which female figure is celebrated for her wisdom and influence in the court of Amir Temur?
Saray Mulk Khanum (Bibi-Khanym)
Which famous conqueror captured Samarkand in 329 BCE?
Alexander the Great
Which of the three madrasahs at Registan Square was built first?
Ulugbek Madrasah
Which mausoleum in Samarkand is believed to contain the remains of Prophet Daniel?
Mausoleum of Khoja Daniyar
Which musical tradition of Samarkand is part of Uzbekistan’s intangible cultural heritage?
Shashmaqom (classical Uzbek-Tajik music genre)
Which medieval historian wrote about Samarkand’s founding and prosperity under Amir Temur?
Sharaf ad-Din Ali Yazdi (author of “Zafarnoma”)
Which ruler of Samarkand built one of the world’s earliest observatories?
Mirzo Ulugbek
What is the name of the ancient archaeological area showing the oldest part of Samarkand’s history?
Afrasiab Ancient Settlement and Museum
Where is the Mausoleum of Imam al-Bukhari located in relation to Samarkand?
In Hartang village, about 25 km north of Samarkand
What modern festival in Samarkand attracts international attention with music, lights, and culture?
Sharq Taronalari (Melodies of the East)
Who was the chief astronomer and companion of Ulugbek, executed after his master’s death for defending science?
Ali Qushchi
In what year was Samarkand added to the UNESCO World Heritage List?
2001
What was the main scientific instrument used in Ulugbek’s Observatory for measuring stars?
A giant sextant (arc) built into the ground
What is the main ethical rule visitors should follow when visiting ziarat places?
Show respect, dress modestly, and keep silence while praying
What symbolic fruit is common in Samarkand designs, carpets, and embroidery, symbolizing abundance?
Pomegranate
Which poet described Samarkand as a “paradise of the East” in his verses?
Babur (in “Baburnoma”)